Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi reacts to referee Darren England during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: Saturday September 21, 2024. - Photo by Icon Sport
It was a night of mixed fortunes for Nigerian footballers across Europe and beyond on Friday, February 21, 2025, as some delivered standout performances while others suffered disappointing results, Soccernet.ng reports.
In the Premier League, Wilfred Ndidi and Leicester City’s relegation woes deepened after a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Brentford.
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho made his third Championship appearance for Middlesbrough but is still searching for his first goal since joining in the winter. Boro fell to a 2-1 loss against Bristol City.
Former Chelsea trialist Hamzat Ibrahim endured a debut to forget in Ligue 1.
The 19-year-old Nigerian talent made his first appearance for Reims in a 1-0 defeat to Rennes but lasted only 16 minutes before being sent off. Booked in the 79th minute for a rash challenge, he received a second yellow ten minutes later, cutting short a promising first-team introduction.
Ibrahim’s promotion followed his impressive form for Reims II, where he netted nine goals in National 3, making him the club’s top scorer at that level.
In the French National 1, Mathias Oyewusi provided the assist for Valenciennes’ opener in a 1-1 draw away to Concarneau.
Over in Albania, Ibrahim Mustapha enjoyed a full debut to remember for Bylis. The former Kano Pillars and Plateau United forward played a key role in his side’s stunning 3-2 comeback win over Partizani Tirana.
Having left El Kanemi Warriors — where he had already scored eight NPFL goals this season — Mustapha made his first start for Bylis at the Arena e Demave.
After Partizani raced into a two-goal lead within 16 minutes, Victor da Silva pulled one back before Mustapha equalised in the 71st minute. His night got even better when Flamur Ruçi netted a stoppage-time winner.
In Egypt, Nigeria’s Emeka Eze registered an assist for Haras El Hodood in their 2-2 draw at Petrojet.
Super Eagles winger Anayo Iwuala was the hero for Al Arabi in Kuwait, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 away win over Yarmouk.
In Slovenia’s 1. SNL, former Rivers United attacker Ishaq Kayode Rafiu was on the scoresheet for Primorje as they fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at Nafta.
Meanwhile, in Turkey’s 1. Lig, Paul Mukairu showcased his playmaking ability, providing an assist in Boluspor’s 2-0 away win at Manisa FK.
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